Today is the Winter Solstice. It's that time of year when different spiritual traditions celebrate Festivals of Light. As David Steidl-Rast, founder of A Network for Grateful Living relates, "An early nightfall in winter is a time that lends itself to watchful inner silence - a moment in time when "the veil between the two worlds is very thin" as the Celtic tradition puts it. Maybe you light a candle and bask in its warm glow. Enjoy that feeling. Let it sink in."
A friend of mine recently introduced me to the Danish practice of Hygge (pronounced Hue-guh) It's a word used when acknowledging a feeling or moment: whether alone or with friends; at home or out; ordinary or extraordinary - as cozy, charming or special. Hygge doesn’t require learning "how to", adopting it as a lifestyle or buying anything. It literally only requires consciousness, a certain slowness, and the ability to not just be present – but recognize and enjoy the present. While there’s no one English word or simple definition to describe hygge, several can be used interchangeably to describe the idea of hygge "such as coziness, charm, happiness, contentness, security, familiarity, comfort, reassurance, kinship, and simpleness." -Alex Beauchamp Hygge House
I like the idea of hygge, especially this time of year, and I plan on making it one of my 2019 intentions. I think Reiki is a form of Hygge too, from the peace and relaxation Reiki offers.
Whatever tradition you celebrate during this time of year whether it be Christmas, Hanukkah, Diwali, Solstice or simply being with family and friends, I wish you a season of joy, love and peace and light. This Winter Solstice, may you see light coming out of darkness with your heart.